Trichomoniasis

Treatment:

Treatment with antibiotics is used to cure the infection.

Common prescription alternatives (except in pregnancy) include:

• metronidazole, 2 grams by mouth, as a single dose
• metronidazole, 250 mg (milligrams) three times a day, for 1 week
• metronidazole, 500 mg twice a day, for 1 week

It is important to avoid drinking alcohol throughout the course of treatment and for 48 hours after antibiotics are completed. Use of alcohol with metronidazole can cause severe nausea and vomiting. Avoid intercourse until treatment has been completed.

Sexual partners should be considered infected and should be treated at the same time, even if they have no symptoms.

Note: In pregnant women, other antibiotics may be preferable.

Expectations (prognosis):

The outcome is likely to be excellent if the condition is treated adequately.

Complications:

If prolonged infection is present, it may cause changes in the tissue on the cervical surface. These changes may be noted on a routine Pap smear. In such cases, treatment should be initiated and the Pap smear repeated 1 to 3 months after successful treatment.

Calling your health care provider:

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if any unusual vaginal discharge or irritation is noted.

Also call for an appointment if you suspect that you have been exposed to the disease.